Membership Update Fourth Quarter 2016

Victory in PSM Case D.C. Circuit Court overturned OSHA’s guidance regarding Process Safety Management in unanimous (3-0) decision September 23. Court denied OSHA petition for rehearing December 20. U.S. Department of Labor’s remaining legal option is to petition U.S. Supreme Court, which seems unlikely. ARA pursuing reimbursement of legal fees from OSHA. OSHA less likely to continue PSM rulemaking under the Trump administration.

Current Regulatory Activity Tracking 30 regulations, such as: Pesticide (re)registrations EPA Risk Management Plan Revisions FMCSA sleep apnea guidelines Surface Transportation Board Reform Monitoring issues within 15 agencies. Signed MOU with NRCS to promote conservation, stewardship and soil health. Pesticide registration comments submitted or under consideration for comment by ARA: paraquat, glyphosate, organophosphates (chlorpyrifos and others), sulfoxaflor, sulfonylureas and atrazine.

Current Legislative Activity Tracking 16 bills, including: Water Resources Development Act, which passed the House and Senate in December. Provides funding for navigational improvements to rivers. As anticipated, little activity Q4; however, with GOP administration and Congress, much more legislative action is expected in Q1 of 2017.

Upcoming Programs ARA Management Academy January 31-February 2; West Lafayette, Ind. ARA Winter Board of Directors and Committee Meetings February 13-15, Washington, D.C. Agribusiness Congressional Fly-in February 13-14; Washington, D.C. Leadership at its Best February 15-17; Arlington, Va. Crisis Management Workshop February 27-March 1, Las Vegas